COMMON INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Your cat needs protection
You want to do everything possible to make sure that your cat has a long and healthy life. Providing healthy food, adequate attention to hygiene, and regular visits to the vet are all important steps in achieving this goal. If you haven’t had your cat vaccinated against infectious diseases, he or she is vulnerable to some very serious illnesses.
Why should I have my cat vaccinated?
Vaccination is the best way to reinforce your cat’s immune system so that he or she can fight illness. Even if your cat does not go outside, you should know that he or she can still be infected by infectious agents that you unknowingly bring into your home. A cat’s reaction to being vaccinated can vary according to various factors. Don’t be alarmed if your cat develops some unpleasant side effects after being vaccinated, such as fever or loss of appetite. These side effects demonstrate that the cat’s immune system is reacting to the vaccine and creating antibodies. However, if the symptoms persist for longer than 48 hours, you should contact the veterinarian.
Infectious diseases: a serious threat
Cats contract infectious diseases through contact with viruses or harmful bacteria. These diseases weaken the cat’s body. Many of them are fatal. Most infectious diseases can be prevented by following the proper vaccination program. In recent years, vaccines have been proven to be very effective in the prevention of illness. Vaccines work in the same way in cats as they do in humans. When the cat is injected with a safely weakened version of a virus, the cat’s immune system responds by creating antibodies to that virus. The antibodies travel through the cat’s circulatory system, protecting him or her from contracting the infectious disease in question.
Vaccination is not just for kittens
The natural immunities with which kittens are born do not last very long at all, making them particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. However, without protection, cats and kittens of all ages are at risk. As soon as a new cat comes into your home, contact your veterinarian to make an appointment. During your visit, your vet will establish a complete vaccination program that will best suit the needs of your cat.
Vaccination: an economical solution
Vaccination is an excellent measure to protect your cat against infectious diseases. It can also save you, and your cat, a lot of trouble. In addition to causing your cat unnecessary suffering, infectious diseases are rather expensive to treat, much more so than providing your cat with regular vaccinations. Not only will getting your cat vaccinated give you peace of mind, it will also save you money.
Contact your veterinarian for further information
You can count on your veterinarian to answer any questions you might have about the health and well-being of your cat. Ask your veterinarian to establish a vaccination program that best suits your cat’s needs.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES COMMONLY FOUND IN CATS
Panleukopenia
Also known as feline Distemper, feline panleukopenia is a wide-spread, and often fatal, disease. The majority of cats are at risk of exposure to panleukopenia over the course of their lives. Having your cat vaccinated against this disease is crucial.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Although the virus that causes feline leukemia was identified in 1964, a vaccine against it was not widely available until 1985. Feline leukemia is transmitted through contact with other cats. A cat who lives in a home with other cats, or is allowed to go outside unsupervised, is at greater risk of contracting this disease. The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) attacks a cat’s immune system, leaving the cat unprotected and therefore susceptible to numerous secondary infections. In the majority of cases, a cat will die within three years of being infected with the feline leukemia virus. There does not appear to be any connection between feline leukemia and leukemia in humans.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is the most serious, and most wide-spread, upper respiratory tract infection among cats. The symptoms of this virus are: moderate fever, loss of appetite, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and cough. Even if the infection is treated, it can develop into a chronic illness. Vaccinating your cat against this virus is extremely important.
Feline calicivirus (FCV)
Feline calicivirus is another upper-respiratory tract infection that affects cats. It is responsible for approximately 40% of all respiratory illnesses in cats. The seriousness of the infection can vary. Its symptoms usually include moderate fever, and ulcers and blisters on the tongue. Even if the illness is successfully treated, a cat who has been infected with the virus can become a carrier of it for life, and may develop chronic sneezing and watery eyes.
Feline chlamydiosis (or Chlamydia)
Also known as Feline Pneumonitis or Chlamydophila felis (C. felis), this illness consists of a mild respiratory infection. Its chief symptom is watery eyes, although it may also cause sneezing and runny nose.
Rabies
The rabies virus attacks the nervous system and causes an illness that is fatal. All mammals, including humans, are susceptible to this infection. Contracting rabies represents a definite threat to one’s health. Therefore, it is extremely important to have your cat vaccinated against rabies. In fact, vaccination against rabies is obligatory in some municipalities, and is required by federal law for animals travelling outside of Canada.